CHAOS IN THE STREETS

If anyone 30 years ago could fast forward and see what's happening in our towns and cities today they would be horrified and find the state of affairs unbelievable. The drunkenness', the lewd, rude disrespectful behaviour, urinating, screaming, swearing half dressed men and women out of control while clutching tins of strong beer, police over stretched being insulted by yobs only able to warn and caution in political correct language these sub humans who are polluting our streets.

It was nearly 30 years ago that a small group of restaurateurs, headed by the late Bob Payton, an American, of ‘Chicago Pizza Pie factory’ fame, started a campaign for the relaxation of the licensing laws. They had a good and valid case. It was a nonsense that after 3pm one couldn’t order another glass of wine with the meal you were eating. The drinks industry took no time to attach themselves to this campaign. The ‘Beerage’ who with the arms trade are probably the strongest lobbyists, and with the support of most of the press soon bulldozed new laws through, culminating with the ‘Holy Grail’ of the ‘booze’ industry, twenty four hour opening.

As an East end landlord for many years of probably one of the toughest pubs in that area, mainly catering for young people I could see the future problems a mile away. I campaigned long and hard against relaxation. I had numerous letters in the newspapers, articles in the Morning Advertiser, I spoke at Licensed Victualler meetings and was quoted and supported in Parliament by Sir Bernard Braine who said he was heartened by my stance and it made him realise how many ordinary publicans were against the move.

Our licensing laws were the envy of the world. They were the best of any country. Its no coincidence that the standards of our ordinary pubs have gone down so much.

Now there will be fresh debate in the House of Commons where no one from the Government will admit to being so absolutely wrong, they will blame it on to parents, schools, alcopops, everyone but themselves, nothing wrong with being open all day and all night, they’ll say, serving strong drink to everyone, its the odd one or two that misbehave, and, oh yes the police welcome the new laws. Every policeman I’ve spoken to, and I’ve spoken to many, hates them, mind you they are the ordinary coppers on the beat, the ones on the front line.

No one nowadays remembers my one man campaign so there’s no point in me saying ‘I told you so’ but Governments never listen to sensible advice from ordinary people, look at our foreign policy over the years, the Cassandras are, in the end, generally right but its normally too late.

This is a copy of a letter sent to the Independent Aug 16, 07. (not pub.)..